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From Vijayanagara, Rāma, Sita and Laksmana walked towards mount Vamsasailya. A city called Vamśasthala is situated in the ranges of this mountain. On reaching there, Räma noticed that terror reigned the city. Every citizen including the king appeared to be terrorised by some unknown, unseen element. A man informed Rama that since past three nights, great commotion was heard on the summits of the mountain. People failed to discern what caused the commotion. They were so scared, that they left the city before sunset and returned early next morning. The trio climbed the mountain. On reaching the top, they noticed the sages Jayabhūsana and Kulabhūsana in penance. The worthy trio bowed down before them and then sang devotional songs.
Lakşmana's pledge to Vanamālā
While Lakşmana was making preparations for the further journey, Vanamālā said, "O beloved master of my soul, I have craved to be with you all my life and finally you stepped into my life. Now I will not be able to sustain the seperation, even for a moment. I want to follow you, wherever you go. I want to serve you. Pray, marry me and take me along." Laksmana said, "At present, I am a menial serving my brother and sister-in-law. If you come along with me, my life will definately be more pleasant, but it might make me lax towards my duty. If I ignore you and remain attentive to my duty, I will make your life miserable. I neither desire to cause inconvenience to my elders nor do I desire to add to your plight. Therefore, I request you to stay here. When we will return to Ayodhyā, I shall definately take you along. This is my solemn promise. If I break it, may the sin of dining after sunset be on my head forever." Dining in the night is one of the most condemned action mentioned in jain scriptures. It is denounced by our sages and scholars. It leads us to
the gate of the hell. Jain Education International
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